Gov. Jon Corzine today signed two bills intended to benefit people with physical and intellectual disabilities, including one aimed at preventing people in wheelchairs from getting hurt while they are being transported.

One of the new laws requires drivers to use state-sanctioned devices to tie down wheelchairs when they are moving disabled people by van, truck or utility vehicle. Violators will be fined $100.

The law was sought by the parent advocacy group the Family Alliance To Stop Abuse & Neglect in response to an accident eight years ago. Stephen Griscti, 40, suffered a broken leg after a group home employee transporting him did not secure his wheelchair.

Stephen's mother, Marge Griscti of North Brunswick, said the new law "will give the same protections to our loved ones that everyone else has while being transported."

Sen. Fred Madden, (D-Gloucester), who co-sponsored the bill (A839) with Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), said the danger is great for these fragile passengers. "In an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward through a windshield, seriously injuring its occupant, other passengers in the car, and others nearby."

The other bill signed by Corzine today requires the state to establish an autism awareness training course for emergency medical technicians, firefighters and police officers.

"Autism is an invisible disability - one that is not always immediately recognized," Corzine said. "That's why it's important that we supply our emergency responders with accurate information on how to treat and work with these special needs individuals."

Under the law (A1908) new EMTs, volunteer and paid firefighters and local police officer recruits must complete the training as a condition of their certification. Professionals already working in the field must complete the course within the next three years.